Probably the most commonly asked question in Two Rivers over the past couple of months has been “when’s that smokestack coming down?”

My best answer at this point is “Soon — stay tuned.”

Based on recent discussions between the city and the demolition general contractor, we know that the day when the 200-foot tall stack will be felled by an explosive charge is fast approaching.

But an exact date cannot be determined until after some additional environmental testing of the stack and ash/combustion residue in and near the stack is completed and addressed to Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources’ satisfaction.

Once the testing issue has been addressed, the city should be able to give the community two to three weeks advance notice of the event.

The blasting subcontractor and the city will give at least two weeks’ advance notice (via US mail) to all property owners and tenants located within a 500-foot radius of the stack.

Within that 500-foot radius, people will not be permitted outside at the time of the blasting work. Closer in, all buildings within a 200-foot radius of the stack need to be vacated. (The only non-Hamilton buildings within this radius are Washington House and the former parsonage and office building belonging to St. John’s Lutheran Church.)

Based on our recent discussions, we expect that “D-Day” for the smokestack will be on a Sunday. The event will likely occur in the afternoon. And the city will provide for safe viewing areas on the opposite side of the river, along East Street.

As soon as the city has specific information on this activity, we will communicate it to the general public via a press release to the HTR, area radio stations and the Green Bay TV stations. The information will also be posted on the city’s website (www.two-rivers.org) and Facebook page.

Track demolition progress

You can check on the status of the Hamilton demolition project from the comfort of your computer or smartphone by going to the city’s website and clicking on the “Hamilton Demo Cam.”

The remote camera on the east side of the harbor features a live view of the site, as well as a time-lapse video that shows the progress of the demolition from the start date last spring to the present day. Check it out.

The demo site also may be viewed — with the added ability to pan and zoom in — from the city’s harbor cam, also found at www.two-rivers.org.

Two Rivers City Manager Greg Buckley may be contacted by calling (920) 793-5532 or by emailing gbuckley@two-rivers.org.